It’s been nearly two weeks since Hedged’s luckless run in the Group 2 Rising Fast Stakes, but trainer Gavin Bedggood says the disappointment still stings.
The gelding finished sixth after being held up until the 150m mark, leaving Bedggood convinced it was a stakes race that slipped away.
Hedged now drops in grade and distance for Saturday’s Village Stakes at Caulfield, drawing barrier two with Beau Mertens aboard.
“I just hope he doesn’t end up in an awkward spot with nowhere to go like he did last time out,” Bedggood said.
“He lost all his momentum and by the time he got out the bird had flown, but he was really good through the line.”
Bedggood believes with clear running the five-year-old “definitely runs second” at Flemington and expects him to be highly competitive this weekend.
The Rising Fast Stakes was only Hedged’s second start for the stable after arriving from Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr.
Future options include a quick back-up into The Meteorite or a fortnight’s break into the Listed Doveton Stakes, with Magic Millions considerations also in play.